WebQuest - Life in Colonial America

(If you use this WebQuest with your students, I would appreciate feedback about what worked and what didn't. Scott at sfletcher@sandomenico.org )

IntroductionYou have just recently immigrated to the American colonies from England. Your ship has docked in one of these three towns (Boston, Philadelphia, or Charlestown). Penniless and hungry, you find employment and lodging with a local tradesmen as an apprentice and tutor to his two young children. You must work hard and diligently to learn about life in the colonies in order to teach his children and prepare yourself for a better life when you grow up.

The TaskUsing the Internet resources provided below and at least two print resources from the library, you will create a character and begin writing a journal, filling it with all you learn about life in this New Land. Be sure to write in the ‘first person’ and include small observations about daily life that your character might make, as well as relating important information. Your journal can include both written descriptions and sketches and each daily entry should be dated. End your journal with an entry describing the work you hope to do when you grow up and the kind of life you would like to have. Create a Power Point or KeyNote Presentation from your journal writings.

The ProcessBegin by taking notes from the different resources. Read journal entries from sources to get ‘the feel’ of how a Colonial journal might read. When you are ready, begin writing the journal. You may select a date anytime between 1765 and 1780. It should include information about the colonies surrounding your town (i.e. Boston – Northern or New England Colonies, Philadelphia – Middle Colonies, Charlestown – Southern Colonies), what daily life was like for men, women and children, information on a famous person from that region, your observations about slavery and indentured servants, politics and taxes, and what people did to make a living (Economy & Trade).

Once you have finished the Journal, you will create a 10-slide Power Point or KeyNote presentation detailing Colonial Life for your region.